Joel Schmidt

Navigating the turbulent waters of anxiety can feel overwhelming, but with Joel Schmidt as your guide, a calmer journey awaits. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in disordered anxiety, Joel brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to helping clients find their way to smoother seas.

Joel's journey as a counselor began with a personal revelation at the age of ten when he experienced the transformative power of therapy firsthand. This early encounter sparked a lifelong passion for providing the same kind of supportive, neutral space for others facing life's challenges. His approach is collaborative and solution-focused, working alongside clients to identify problem areas, establish clear goals, and create actionable plans for moving forward.

At the helm of Float on Counseling, which he founded in 2017, Joel has steered the practice from a solo venture to a thriving group practice. This growth reflects not only his clinical expertise but also his commitment to expanding mental health support in his community. Joel's therapeutic toolkit includes evidence-based strategies such as mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These approaches enable clients to interact more effectively with unwanted thoughts, communicate healthier, and align their actions with core values.

Joel's professional background is as diverse as it is impressive. Prior to launching Float on Counseling, he supervised a clinical team at DACCO's Felony Drug Court Program, provided therapy in a residential setting at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and worked as a therapist at "A Counseling Center" in Melbourne, FL. This varied experience informs his holistic approach to mental health, allowing him to address not only anxiety but also related issues such as relationship problems, career difficulties, and major life transitions.

As a Navy veteran, husband, and dog dad, Joel brings a unique perspective to his practice. He understands the complexities of balancing personal and professional life, making him particularly adept at working with entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and recent retirees. Whether you're grappling with specific fears, panic attacks, excessive worry, or social anxiety, Joel is equipped to help you chart a course toward a more fearless life. With Joel Schmidt as your therapist, you're not just staying afloat – you're learning to navigate life's waters with confidence and skill.